Best Drones for Beginners: Top Picks for Easy Flying in 2023

Small drone flying in a field

Drones are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists and professionals alike. They offer a unique perspective and can capture stunning aerial footage. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming for beginners to choose the right one. In this article, we will be discussing the best drones for beginners.

When selecting a drone for beginners, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is ease of use. Beginner drones should be straightforward to operate, with intuitive controls and simple features. Another important factor is durability. Beginner pilots are more likely to crash their drones, so it’s essential to choose a model that can withstand some bumps and bruises.

Battery life is also a crucial consideration. Most beginner drones have a flight time of around 10-15 minutes, so it’s important to choose a model with a decent battery life. Finally, price is a significant factor for many beginners. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to break the bank on your first drone.

After researching and testing various models, we have identified the top five best drones for beginners. These models offer excellent value for money, ease of use, and durability, making them ideal for novice pilots.

Best Drones for Beginners

These aren’t your big brand drones, so if you like DJI drones you might as well stick with that brand. These are the hidden gems that are great for beginners. We have researched and tested various drones to bring you the best options for beginners. These drones are easy to fly, affordable, and come with features that will help you improve your flying skills. Whether you want to capture stunning aerial footage or just have fun flying, our list has something for everyone. Check out our top picks below.

RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera

RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera

If you’re looking for a beginner drone with great features, the RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera is worth considering.

Pros

  • The 1080P HD camera provides a wider breathtaking field of view and lets you enjoy 1080P HD pictures and videos via the “RADCLOFPV” APP.
  • The Altitude Hold function can keep the drone at a certain altitude for easy control fly, and to shoot high-quality footage.
  • The package comes with a carrying case that is convenient for outdoor travel, 2pcs 800mAh batteries, controller batteries, a propeller guard, and spare fan blades.

Cons

  • There might be wind interference when using it outdoors.
  • Some of the instructions aren’t that clear.
  • The remote control is not working properly.

The RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera is a great choice for beginners. The drone is easy to use and has a stable altitude hold function. The 1080P HD camera is a great feature, providing a wider breathtaking field of view and letting you enjoy 1080P HD pictures and videos via the “RADCLOFPV” APP. The package comes with a carrying case that is convenient for outdoor travel, 2pcs 800mAh batteries, controller batteries, a propeller guard, and spare fan blades.

The Altitude Hold function can keep the drone at a certain altitude for easy control fly and shoot high-quality footage. However, there might be wind interference when using it outdoors. Some of the instructions aren’t that clear, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Overall, we recommend the RADCLO Mini Drone with Camera for beginners who want a drone with great features.

Vounel Drone

Vounel Drone

We highly recommend the Vounel Drone for beginners who want to experience flying a drone with high-quality features and capabilities.

Pros

  • With 2 batteries, you can fly for up to 20 minutes, giving you more time to explore and capture stunning aerial photos and videos.
  • The dual camera function enables you to switch between cameras and take HD pictures and videos. You can also connect the drone to your phone via WIFI and enjoy real-time transmission through the phone camera image.
  • The drone features a trajectory flight mode, allowing you to draw a flight path on the screen and have the drone fly along the designated way. You can also perform impressive 3D flips by pushing the control sticks inwards.

Cons

  • The Vounel drone is not very durable and may break easily if it crashes or falls.
  • The drone’s WIFI connection can be unstable and may disconnect frequently, causing disruptions in the live transmission.
  • The drone’s altitude hold mode may not work as expected, and the drone may drift away from its intended location.

The Vounel drone is an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience flying a drone with high-quality features and capabilities. With its 2 batteries, you can fly for up to 20 minutes, giving you more time to explore and capture stunning aerial photos and videos. The dual camera function enables you to switch between cameras and take HD pictures and videos. You can also connect the drone to your phone via WIFI and enjoy real-time transmission through the phone camera image.

The drone features a trajectory flight mode, allowing you to draw a flight path on the screen and have the drone fly along the designated way. You can also perform impressive 3D flips by pushing the control sticks inwards. The drone comes with a carrying case, and the foldable fuselage design allows it to be easily stored and more portable for outdoor traveling, weighing under 250g to save you from FAA registration.

However, the Vounel drone is not very durable and may break easily if it crashes or falls. The drone’s WIFI connection can be unstable and may disconnect frequently, causing disruptions in the live transmission. The drone’s altitude hold mode may not work as expected, and the drone may drift away from its intended location. Overall, the Vounel drone is an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience flying a drone with high-quality features and capabilities.

Holy Stone HS720G Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter

Holy Stone HS720G Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter

We highly recommend the Holy Stone HS720G Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter for beginners who are looking for a high-quality drone that can capture stunning and vivid footage. With its powerful brushless motors and a max battery life of 26 minutes, the HS720G guarantees stable flight and enough time to compose the perfect pictures.

Pros

  • The 2-axis motorized gimbal and 4K EIS Camera ensure stunning and vivid footage in a bird’s-eye view without missing any details.
  • Multiple functions such as Headless Mode, Automatic Take-off, Altitude Hold, and Optical Flow Positioning are devised for the novice.
  • The GPS module and Optical Flow Positioning make HS720G safer, and more reliable, and have extraordinary anti-interference capabilities, offering you the ability to fly farther and more stable.

Cons

  • The range may not be as far as advertised, disconnecting at around 400 meters.
  • The drone can be twitchy in windy conditions.
  • The drone may be heavier than expected at 378 grams.

The HS720G is user-friendly and perfect for beginners. Its high-tech outdoor performance ensures stability and enough time to capture the perfect shots. The drone’s powerful GPS module and Optical Flow Positioning make it safer and more reliable, with extraordinary anti-interference capabilities. The drone’s all-around functions, such as Follow Me, Tap Fly, and Point of Interest, grant HS720G performance intelligent flights, freeing your hands up.

The drone’s Emergency Stop, Smart Return to Home, GPS module, and One Key Return can prevent HS720G from losing to a great extent. The intuitive and advanced foldable design of HS720G and the carrying case ensures the pilot complete freedom to wherever he wants to go. The HS720G can be the ideal travel companion.

In conclusion, the Holy Stone HS720G Foldable FPV RC Quadcopter is a great drone for beginners who want to capture stunning footage. The drone’s high-tech outdoor performance, all-round functions, and powerful GPS module make it a great investment.

Heygelo S80 Drone

Heygelo S80 Drone

We highly recommend the Heygelo S80 Drone for beginners who are looking for a compact and portable drone that is packed with features.

Pros

  • The HD camera provides real-time aerial photos and videos that can be easily viewed on your phone.
  • The drone is easy to control with features like one key take-off/landing, altitude hold, and propeller guards.
  • The foldable design and double modular batteries make it easy to take the drone outdoors and enjoy it with friends.

Cons

  • The drone can be difficult to control in windy conditions.
  • The battery life is shorter than some other drones in its price range.
  • The drone is not as durable as some other models.

The Heygelo S80 Drone is a great choice for beginners who want to capture aerial photos and videos. The HD camera provides a clear view of the drone’s perspective in the sky, and the FPV transmission makes it easy to control the drone from a remote location. The 90° angle is manually adjustable, which allows you to capture the entire scenery.

We love how easy it is to control the drone with features like one key take-off/landing and altitude hold. The propeller guards provide an extra layer of protection, which makes the drone safe and durable for beginners. The foldable design and double modular batteries make it easy to take the drone outdoors and enjoy it with friends.

However, the drone can be difficult to control in windy conditions, and the battery life is shorter than some other drones in its price range. Additionally, the drone is not as durable as some other models, so it may not be the best choice for those who plan to use it frequently.

Overall, we believe that the Heygelo S80 Drone is a great choice for beginners who want a compact and portable drone that is packed with features. It is a great gift for birthdays or holidays, and the product support is available without worrying!

Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone

Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone

We highly recommend the Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone for beginners who are looking for an affordable drone with a good camera and long battery life.

Pros

  • The 1080P HD camera can be adjusted within 90° and has a 112° wide-angle lens, providing a great aerial view.
  • The modular battery allows for an extended flight time of up to 20 minutes.
  • The foldable design and carrying case make it easy to transport.

Cons

  • The video feed to your phone can get choppy in large open areas.
  • The controls can be a bit sensitive, making it difficult to fly in windy conditions.
  • The drone may drift slightly, requiring frequent adjustments.

The HS440 is easy to operate and packed with intelligent features. Automatic takeoff, precise hovering, and altitude hold make it a breeze to fly. One-key high-speed Rotation adds a fun element to the flight experience. The drone also has an Emergency Stop feature, which can come in handy in case of any mishap.

The HS440 is a small but mighty drone that provides complete freedom wherever and however you want to create. It’s a great drone for beginners who want to explore their world without limitations. Whether you’re shooting at a deserted beach or capturing the details of a fun family reunion, HS440 can handle it all.

In conclusion, the Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone is an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience the thrill of flying a drone and capturing stunning aerial footage. With its long battery life, good camera, and intelligent features, the HS440 is a must-have for anyone who wants to discover a new adventure.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a drone for beginners, there are a few things to consider. We want to make sure you get the best product for your needs, so here are some features to look for:

Flight Time

Flight time is an important factor to consider when choosing a drone. You want to make sure you have enough time to get the shots you need. Look for drones with a flight time of at least 10 minutes, but ideally 20 minutes or more.

Camera Quality

If you’re buying a drone for photography or videography, camera quality is essential. Look for drones with high-quality cameras that can capture high-resolution images and videos.

Stability

Stability is crucial when it comes to flying a drone. Look for drones with features like GPS and altitude hold to help keep your drone stable in the air.

Ease of Use

As a beginner, you want a drone that is easy to use and navigate. Look for drones with features like one-touch takeoff and landing, as well as intuitive controls.

Price

Drones can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Look for drones that fit your budget while still offering the features you need.

In summary, when choosing a drone for beginners, consider flight time, camera quality, stability, ease of use, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the perfect drone for your needs.